Join

Become a Paddling Perks member

Bayou St. John in Louisiana

Trip Overview

Bayou St. John is suitable for any paddled watercraft. It is not large enough for motorized boats. The bayou has some historical significance as a trail. It is the route Native Americans took for traveling between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. It was also used for trade when the French Market was better known as a source of fresh vegetables. Along the Bayou are some older houses including the Pitot House, mentioned in many magazines. To travel the entire bayou, one needs to go under bridges but if you are claustrophobic and can not travel the route then an enjoyable time can still be had.

Connected to the Bayou is an island on which people live. It shows the gorgeous gardens affluent people either grow or have grown for them in their backyards. There is also a fountain which runs almost 24 hours 7 days a week. The fountain can be used to travel under to cool down, if one gets too hot in the Louisiana sun.

Accommodations:

It is the middle of the city of New Orleans so anything you want to find can be found in the city.

Directions:

It is located in the middle of New Orleans, near City Park and Lake Pontchartrain, and can be found on any New Orleans map.

Resources:

I would recommend a map of the City of New Orleans, which can be obtained at any tourist information site. I would also recommend any book about the city of New Orleans. Some authors who have written historically about the city are Buddy Stall and John Chase.